2017 - “Trail for everyone” is under construction at Avalanche

Clearing the way for "Nature's Way"

A new group declaring that Avalanche Mountain Preserve should be for everyone and not just mountain bikers has succeeded in securing grant funding for a new trail now under construction. The group includes a coalition of walkers, naturalists and senior citizens. The new trail will be fully handicapped-accessible with two 14-ft. paved lanes, concrete curb and gutter to prevent erosion, plus LED streetlights for 24/7 user safety. Trees within 150 ft. of the trail will be removed to improve views. It will be salted and plowed by DPW personnel to insure winter use as well. To allow as many people to use it as possible the Police Department is recommending a 55 mph speed limit on the trail. The new trail, to be named 'Nature’s Way' will be open by Arbor Day 2018. The local portion of the DNR matching grant will be paid by Team Elmer’s asphalt paving company of Traverse City.